Windows 7 Desktop


The Windows 7 Desktop has a Windows 7 icon which takes the place of the start button that we had in Windows XP. When you click on the Windows 7 icon, you will notice a different look with getting to the program files and you documents or computer area.

You will see two columns. On the left, you will see a list of programs on your computer. If you click on All Programs, the complete list of programs will appear. On the right, you will see documents, pictures, music, etc--places you will go to very often.

At the bottom of the left pane is a search box where you can search for programs or files on your computer.

Change screen resolution
  • Right-click on the desktop and choose screen resolution (1024 x 768 is a popular screen size) you get more pixels on the screen with a higher number (images will be smaller with higher number)


Desktop features:

Taskbar

The taskbar has a peek menu which opens just above the taskbar when you move your mouse over a specific icon on the taskbar. You can close the window by pressing X or you can click on the window to see it in full screen.

The system tray is located on the right of the taskbar. It contains the clock/calendar, the volume control, and icons for other programs which load when windows is started.

Live Preview
  • Point to a taskbar button to see a live preview ot its open windows. To preview the window full screen, move your mouse over a thumbnail.

Preview Desktop -- using Peek
  • Point to the SHOW DESKTOP button at the end of the taskbar. The open windows will fade so that you can see the desktop.
  • Press the Windows logo key + spacebar.

Pin Programs
  • Pin your favorite programs anywhere on the taskbar by clicking and dragging. Unpin by right-clicking and choose "Unpin this program from taskbar"
  • Pin programs in All Programs, by right-clicking and selecting "pin to taskbar".

Pin items to the Taskbar
  • Drag item to the taskbar or
  • Right-click item in the program list and select "Pin to Taskbar"



Jump List

List of recently used files

View Jump Lists
  • Access the documents, pictures, websites, you use most often by right-clicking a program button on the taskbar.
  • Can also find jump lists on the Start menu, click the arrow next to the program name.